Ecology and geology

North Yorkshire County Council

North Yorkshire County Council's (NYCC) Ecology Service provides an objective approach to nature conservation in North Yorkshire. Ecological advice is given to the planning system, including advice on developments, mineral applications, bats and bridges and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

Please note, NYCC is the planning authority for any application for fracking in the County. Ryedale District Council is a statutory consultee in respect of any minerals applications, or a consultee on the minerals and waste local plan.

Planning consent was given in May 2016 to the company Third Energy, to hydraulically fracture for shale gas.

As part of the decision by NYCC planning committee, mitigation of the effects of the development were required to safeguard the natural environment, protect species and habitats and the amenity of local residents (including light and noise mitigation), protect ground and surface water quality. A traffic management plan also had to be agreed, which related to the prevention of mud on roads and to the financial commitment required of Third Energy, or any subsequent owner of the site, to deliver the restoration and aftercare of the development.

Third Energy have now discharged these planning conditions, which will be carefully monitored throughout the operation. There are a series of conditions to meet for a number of other agencies including the Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive and Oil and Gas Authority.

The role of the County Council now is to ensure that the planning conditions are fully discharged and they will be carefully monitoring the discharge of the planning consents and responding to questions and concerns that are raised.

Both the County Council and the Police are providing information online, through dedicated webpages, including updates on frequently asked questions and answers to queries from the local community.

Contacting the Regulators

Environment AgencyPlease report incidents that relate to waste management, odour or pollution of local water courses to our 24-hour Incident hotline 0800 80 70 60. For general enquiries e-mail the team at yorkshireoil& and for information on the regulation of Third Energy see the Environment Agency website.

North Yorkshire County CouncilTo report issues relating to compliance with planning conditions including traffic, noise, dust and light pollution please e-mail the team at

Ryedale District CouncilMost matters are covered by the Environment Agency and the County Council however Environmental Health Officers can be contacted at

Oil and Gas AuthorityThe Oil and Gas Authority regulate seismic risks from hydraulic fracturing through a traffic light monitoring system. Information relating to their role can be found at on their website and and they can be contacted at .

Public Health EnglandPublic Health England has an advisory role on the potential public health impacts of exposures to chemical and radioactive pollutants as a result of the shale gas extraction process. Email